Countertop Dishwasher – What’s the Best Choice for You?

Small studio apartments and older homes normally miss appliances that have become an integral part of our everyday lives, such as the dishwasher. Fortunately, a countertop dishwasher can come in handy in such cases.

The countertop dishwater is designed to occupy a small space on the kitchen countertop – usually right next to the sink as it normally hooks up to the faucet for its water source. You’ll also need a power outlet nearby to run the appliance. There are numerous brands and models of countertop dishwashers available on the market. Hence, choosing the right one can be an uphill task if you’re not sure of what exactly you want in a countertop dishwasher.

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In that light, we highlight some of the things you should consider when shopping for a countertop dishwater. It is also worth noting that countertop dishwashers make a wonderful choice for several reasons, which we’re going to share with you. They are also not without some drawbacks, which you should know in order to make an informed decision.

So, let’s start with the advantages of a countertop dishwasher.

Why Invest in A Countertop Dishwasher?

Here are some of the significant benefits of buying a countertop dishwasher:

Allows For More Counter Space

You can add a build-it dishwasher to your small kitchen. However, even if it is an 18-inch small dishwasher, it can take up a sizable portion of the already limited counter space. Conversely, a countertop dishwasher adds some normally much-needed counter space.

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Suitable For Virtually any Home

For some kitchens to accommodate a built-in dishwasher, especially the traditional ones, you have to do some modifications to the cabinetry or plumbing. In such a situation, a countertop or portable dishwasher would offer a more practical, cost-effective solution.

So, if you are not ready to rip off anything or replumb in order to install a built-in dishwasher, just buy the countertop washer.

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More Efficient in Cleaning

For a small household, a countertop dishwasher potentially cleans more efficiently compared to the built-in version. They may be small in size and only able to handle smaller loads, but countertop dishwashers are more efficient when compared to larger ones where half a load may be used often. They also beat the option of washing by hand, which is far less efficient and time-consuming.

However, countertop dishwashers are not without a few disadvantages. For instance, most of them can only handle the dishes for two to three people. So, it may not be very useful if you have a family of more than four.

Likewise, they normally have no vertical clearance to handle larger plates and they hardly handle pots and pans. Moreover, if your counter-top dishwasher leaks, it will create a bigger mess on your counter as well as the floor than if a full-sized dishwasher leaks.

That said, let’s look at how you should go about purchasing a countertop dishwasher.

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What to Consider When Buying a Countertop Dishwasher

By considering the following factors, you will be able to find the best countertop dishwasher for your needs:

Size

Size is the most important factor to consider. If you’ll often move your dishwasher from one counter to another, consider buying a lighter one. Countertop washers normally range from about 10 to 50 pounds. Even if you won’t be moving it around, you should also consider the amount of space it will occupy on your counter.

Most washers are about 22 inches wide, 17 inches tall, and 20 inches deep. However, there are larger units. It is advisable to measure your countertop before you go shopping.

It’s also worth noting that size normally corresponds to the number of place settings you can wash at once. Washers range from a four-place setting to a six-place setting.

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Water Source

Countertop dishwashers need a water source. They come with a hose that attaches temporarily to your kitchen sink faucet. This only works if the faucet has a threaded spout. Sink faucets that have built-in sprayers, for instance, don’t have threaded spouts, but you can remove the aerator and then connect an adaptor.

If you’re buying a countertop dishwasher simply because you don’t want to make any changes in your sink or kitchen in general, then this may not be a welcome idea for you.

Moreover, before you try to remove the aerator, find out from your sink’s manufacturer if removal is possible. You don’t want to damage the sprayer. If you can’t remove the aerator, then you will have to permanently plumb your dishwasher, which beats the point of investing in a countertop dishwater.

Pump

If the water draining from your dishwater needs to go above the level of the dishwater, it is advisable to choose a model with a pump. In fact, you can avoid this problem by determining where you will place your countertop unit before you even go shopping.

Interior Composition

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You should determine how much time your washer needs to dry. Then, you can consider what material that the interior of your dishwater is made of. Countertop dishwaters with stainless interiors are normally more durable compared to their plastic counterparts.

It is also worth noting that not all countertop dishwaters have a drying cycle. So, if you find this feature useful, be sure to check that your preferred dishwater has a drying cycle.

Water Heater

Compact dishwaters are normally equipped with a water heater of varying power. They will generally come with two or more settings to regulate the water heater’s power output. It is advisable to research the kind of water heater and settings that come with your preferred model of countertop dishwasher.

Final thoughts

Countertop dishwashers are extremely versatile household appliances. Whether you live in a small house without a built-in dishwasher or renting an apartment without a dishwasher, a countertop dishwasher can come in handy. These types of dishwashers can also be an excellent option if you love saving energy as they are more energy-efficient compared to standard dishwashers.

They are also very easy to install and you don’t need to make any major modifications in your kitchen. So, if you’re ready to invest in a portable dishwasher, use this guide to get the right choice for your needs.